Preferred Position for Healthcare Assistants: Private Duty Home Health Aide or Assisted Living Facility?

If given the choice, would you rather work as a private duty home health aide or in an assisted living facility?

Having worked in both settings, I have come to favor the assisted living facility. While working in the home setting, certain expectations can be challenging, with some clients expecting near-maidservant level assistance and even the handling of their laundry. Let's delve deeper into the reasons behind this favoritism.

Personal Experiences in Home Health Aide Settings

Home health aide jobs can come with unique challenges. One particularly memorable instance involved a client whose children brought in their laundry, expecting the aide to do the washing. Similar scenarios have repeated, demonstrating the need for clear boundaries and professionalism. Such demands can blur lines of responsibility and respect.

Benefits and Comparisons Between Home and Assisted Living Jobs

Financial Rewards and Work Pace

One significant factor in choosing a work environment is the financial compensation. Private clients in their own homes generally pay more for healthcare assistance services than residents in assisted living facilities. A typical rate for an assisted living resident is around $24-$27 per hour. However, while this rate is commendable, it is often insufficiently high for the demands of the role.

When working in assisted living facilities, the pace of work can be relatively fast and intense. Consider the scenario where an assisted living resident has soiled their nappy (diaper) or needs to be put into bed with a new nappy. In such cases, there are often only about five minutes to act. Additionally, residents may need help with body repositioning, redressing, or moving them to a specialized machine.

Efficiency is crucial, and the time can be incredibly limited. Similarly, when dealing with palliative residents who require assisted feeding or drinking, a hoist may be necessary. These residents are often unable to manage such tasks independently.

Working Hours and Job Flexibility

Private duty home health aides often have more flexibility regarding the number of hours they can work. For example, in assisted living facilities, the maximum allowable work is 77 hours per week, with a typical 50-hour fortnight being standard. For private duty aides, the potential for additional hours is higher, allowing for greater scheduling freedom.

However, this flexibility does not come without its downsides. The rapid pace and pressure of working in an assisted living facility can be demanding and may result in burnout for some healthcare assistants. Additionally, the unpredictable nature of home health care can lead to long and irregular working hours depending on the client's needs.

Conclusion

While both roles have their unique challenges and rewards, the assisted living facility offers a structured environment with potentially more manageable work demands. The environment is less likely to blur the boundaries between professional and personal service, providing a clearer and more focused work experience. Moreover, the job security and structured working hours might be more attractive to those looking for a consistently balanced and respected role.